Biocontrol introduction

Target pest: Paropsis charybdis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), eucalyptus tortoise beetle

Agent introduced: Froggattimyia spp. (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Imported:

1934?, 1935?, 1964

Import source:

Australia

Import notes:

Cameron et al. (1989) – in February 1934 a small number of late instar larvae of various Paropsis species were imported from, Australia, which yielded ‘a quantity of tachinid puparia’. In March 1934, 24 tachinid puparia were received from Australia, and another 29 in January 1935. Apparently two distinct species were present in all three consignments. A number of tachinids were reared but there were no field releases. In February 1964 a small consignment of Froggattimyia spp. pupae, bred from Chrysophtharta bimaculata, was received from Canberra, Australia; they were heavily hyperparasitised and it is not recorded if any tachinids emerged.

Released:

Cameron et al. (1989) - not released.

References

Cameron PJ, Hill RL, Bain J, Thomas WP (1989). A Review of Biological Control of Invertebrate Pests and Weeds in New Zealand 1874-1987. Technical Communication No 10. CAB International Institute of Biological Control. DSIR Entomology Division. 424p.